Come on, you didn’t really think you could wear them athletically, did you?

I often really have to wonder whether or not my strange, unwitting and sudden fashion predilections are a direct result of the sense of manipulation I probably feel upon desiring – or learning that I should desire – to function the same way, sartorially speaking, that the fashion designers heating my loans with their indispensably cool clothes and even cooler personal style do.

Some personal historical context: I had a pair of these in middle school but that was way less about looking cool and much more about feeling comfortable. In high school, I made contact with them again but if I’m going to get really honest about it, I only really wanted them because the boy I had a crush on – he went to a school on the South Shore of Long Island – wore them day in and out. I know, what the fuck, right?

But here’s the thing about my decision to indulge in them now. I am pretty sure if not blatantly positive that this is all Phoebe Philo’s fault. I know I’ve been alluding to it at nearly every opportunity that has presented itself since the initial purchase but when I look down at my feet and seriously, actually, for the first time in a long time feel “effortlessly cool,” I have to wonder where that’s coming from.

And furthermore, in fact, why the high-fashion labeled shoes of these designers don’t always do the same thing for me.

The New Balance sneakers are not cool. They are not universally trendy. They are the product of what Philo disseminates into our Cosmo, what Colette collects, chews up, swallows and regurgitates and finally, what I concede to wearing in a pithy effort to be a more hip person.

Maybe, too, it’s another nod to irony. I’ve heard myself say that I love them ironically at least ten times. I’ve had a hard time saying it if the sentiment isn’t tethered to the descriptive, conclusive adjective. Which, of course, means that they cannot and will not be worn with athletic clothes. In the slideshow above you’ll find three outfitting suggestions to answer the question that brought us here in the first place: so you’ve got your New Balance sneakers, now what?

I’m a HUGE New Balance fan as they’re the only remaining athletic shoe company that makes sneakers in the United States. I know you’re not wearing them for sport, but my running shoes are New Balance and I’m eyeing up a similar pair as yours for my next casual shoes. I figure if I can run 40+ plus a week in them then they are certainly solid enough for a casual day hoofing on sidewalks.

I just cannot get the new-balance-sneakers-or-nike-airs-with-everything thing. It’s a look that is everywhere and it seems like people only started on it because, like you said it, someone up there in the fashion food chain decided that it was cool. It’s not the same as a converse sneaker. It’s the same thing with the Birkenstock, another trend which I cannot understand. Fashion people used to diss it but the moment Emmanuelle Alt puts it on together with some trousers, it’s super hot and everybody suddenly decides that cork-based sandals are sartorially awesome and flock to get a pair. What’s next, havaianas with a three-piece suit?

Andy

Actually, scandinavians, especially Danes, have been pairing sneakers with everyday clothes for a long time. It’s very scandinavian 🙂

Linzi Gurney

Where can I find this colour way? Must continue on my life mission to be you.

No!!! It makes me sad to see chic nyc and chicago women wearing tennis shoes (although I love me some supergas) with their nice clothes. Although you make them as cute as they possibly could be! Love your style, but don’t know if I can jump on this trend… 😉

I for one love this trend. There is only so much pressure a girl can take to coordinate all of her outfits perfectly. I like the imperfection that a sports sneaker, especially a pair of New Balance, gives you.

Love all these outfits, Leandra! Wore my grey New Balance 574s today to school with a Jane Birkin t-shirt and a magenta, tulle skirt. Love that disconnect. And you’re right…you actually can’t wear those athletically! Any sport or activity that involves impact (mainly running) in those things would probably end in some shin splints! They’re best for walking and being paired with skirts.

karine

I just got myself a new pair of new balance a while ago and I love them!

had them for years and suddenly everyone wants them !! Not only do they have great color combo’s but they are by far the best sneakers I’ve ever had. They never hurt and they match sporty outfits as cute dresses or skirts. love your bag here !

Leandra I’ve been wondering when is your collaboration with superga out? Since I’m from far far away Portugal I need to be fast and order the velvet ones before they vanish!
ALSO love these new balance it seams that they go well with EVERYTHING!

Leandra Medine

Hey! Unfortunately I think they’re only available in the US through the Superga site but I do know that they’re landing at Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus any day now!

CarlotaLMorais

Uuhhh thanks! I can order them from bloomingdales AND neiman Marcus! I’ll be waiting!!!

You are one of the most stylish women I’ve ever laid eyes on. Whatever you wear always looks so damn good. You are also one of the funniest, wittiest, and most intelligent women I’ve ever known. You are not only my girl crush but also a role model/total idol. Never stop doing what you do. Ok, I’m going to stop before this gets anymore cheesier.

Alyssa Lyon

These are so cute on you! I love how you’ve paired them with the flouncy mini dress. I have a pair of NB’s but I’m actually about to trade them in for some Nikes. Yes, I know I’m selling out but I feel like if I want to be a fit bitch I need to dress like one and get myself some of those snazzy Nike sneakers in a crazy color pallete like lime green or atomic pink like all the cool girls are wearing. I love trends, what can I say.Shop Vintage Levis

Only seeing this post now– I LOVE New Balances. They’re the type of shoes that are so ugly to the point that they’re not. But I wonder, what’s next? What’s the next sneaker we’re going to recycle from the men’s/tourist’s/fifth grader’s closet?

I love this so much! Ever since growing up with ’80s and ’90s with Nike Airs and the like, I always gravitated towards these more retro sneakers. The more futuristic they get, the more I pine for a return to the classics, such as these (ok, ok, my Nike Dunk Sky His are the exception..). I don’t care if it’s trendy or jumping on the bandwagon, but those wine-hued 574s that have been in my virtual shopping cart for awhile now? I think it’s time to hit ‘send’. Thanks for the inspiration, Leandra. And btw, that Balenciaga skirt is to die for – what a score!

tweety

Babe, what size are you in that blue Topshop dress?! It fits you like a glove and I believe we have similar body types 😉

luminlumin

Hey, just wondering which model are your New Balance shoes? Would like to get them. There are a lot of great colors out there. Trying to think which color should I get to suit my wardrobe.